Controlling a system for processing valuable items and preparing / outputting valuable item packages

Abstract

A method for controlling a system (300) or a device (310) for identifying, checking, counting, accounting and sorting valuable items is proposed, which can automatically adapt to changing delivery and demand conditions. To this end, a controller (S) controls the transport paths and processing steps within the device (310) with the help of conveyors (140, 141, 142, 143, 325 and T) and corresponding diverters (245) and optimizes them in such a way that the valuable items are transported in a targeted manner to the processing level (P) required for processing the valuable items. n ). In addition, the controller (S) takes into account information about the components of the device (310) and the valuable items entering the warehouse and the valuable items to be shipped out of the warehouse to ensure optimal processing of the valuable items or to ship out the ordered valuable items as soon as possible. The device (310) can be configured so that it can handle a wide range of tasks and / or quickly handle peak loads by connecting its components in parallel. This also achieves reliable, safe and plannable operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a method for controlling a system for processing valuable objects (in particular for identifying, checking, counting and, where applicable, accounting and sorting) and for assembling and / or outputting packages of valuable objects. Background Art

[0002] Those skilled in the art are familiar with the special machines that are now very effective for capturing, scanning, checking, counting and classifying valuables (such as banknotes), and can handle about 10 to 40 valuables without error in one second. These machines can not only identify and check valuables, but also can classify, count and pack valuables into the article of set quantity according to the characteristics of distinction. Banknotes can be, for example, classified according to the face value, sorted out according to their situation, or--if acceptable--combined into the bag of 100 or 1000 banknotes, tied together and marked with suitable tapes. Like this, such valuables bag can be produced, and its added value is the credibility of the information related to the quality and quantity of the valuables comprised therein.

[0003] However, the machines are only designed for the tasks described above, so that further manual steps are usually required for processing the valuables. In many cases, the valuables are filled into a feed container in an additional processing step. Here, the dimensions of the feed container are adapted to the machine or system, but not to the delivery volume of the valuables. Therefore, the individual partial deliveries must be separated by header cards carrying information about the depositors of the valuables, so that the valuables can be clearly allocated. In addition, the valuables or packages of valuables that have been processed by the machine are packed again into transport boxes for storage, further processing, assembly or delivery in an additional manual processing step.

[0004] Equally, large-scale mechanical equipment system is known, for example, cash center for handling banknotes, wherein several special machines of described type are operated to process several valuables packages that may not be classified and unchecked or at least untrustworthy in parallel and / or continuously.Such large-scale system has highly safe storage and storage device and higher security level area, for example strongroom.They are equipped with for example overhead storage facility, and it is usually managed by means of transport vehicle with lifting function.When valuables pass through cash center, they will usually be brought into the highest security level area for many times, for example, to safely shorten the waiting time after warehousing (inbound delivery) or before classification or before assembly.The highest security area can only be accessed by safety lock usually, therefore processing valuables in the process by the highest security area needs considerable extra work.But the preparation and assembly of valuables occur in the less secure area.

[0005] According to the prior art, by opening the container or bag in which the valuables have been delivered, the valuables are divided into most of loose, still unformatted packages, the packages or loose bundles are packed in the feed container, and the feed container is transported to a special processing machine, the valuables manually prepared for delivery are used for being processed by a special machine. After inspection, counting and classification, the path proceeds to the strongroom area from the processing machine, and then, when being called for assembly, from the strongroom area to the assembly site. There, the valuables (such as banknotes or coins) after processing and classification are counted by the accurate quantity requested, and the valuables of the required number (the valuables of different denominations with certain par value or the required number in each case) are collected (compile) and filled in the outbound container. These partially automatic, partially semi-automatic and partially manual processing steps cause considerable personnel costs and the risk in terms of the security, reliability and trustworthiness of processing.

[0006] All these systems also have the disadvantage that they cannot adequately adapt to the changing inbound and outbound situations that may occur, for example, due to high cash turnover during public holidays or the Christmas season. As a result, the available systems are sometimes running at maximum capacity, with congestion and disruptive blockages, or are idle and very inefficient. In addition, the demand for personnel fluctuates greatly over time. Summary of the invention

[0007] The object of the invention is to make the operation of a system for identifying, checking, counting and sorting valuable objects and for assembling or outputting packages of valuable objects more adaptable and at the same time more efficient.

[0008] This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous developments of the subject matter of the independent claims are indicated in the dependent claims. The wording of all claims is hereby made part of the present description by reference.

[0009] Unless otherwise indicated, the use of the singular shall not exclude the plural and vice versa.

[0010] In the following, the individual method steps will be described in more detail. These steps do not necessarily have to be performed in the order given, and the method to be described may also have other steps that are not mentioned.

[0011] In order to achieve this purpose, a method for controlling a system is proposed, which is used to identify, check, count (and calculate and classify when applicable) valuable items, and assemble valuable item packages. The system has at least one preparation level and equipment, which is used to identify, check, count, classify and calculate when applicable valuable items and to assemble valuable item packages. For example, the equipment is configured as an electromechanical system. The equipment has at least one entry level and a first processing area with one or more processing levels, in which valuable items are processed, particularly identified and / or checked and / or counted and / or classified. The equipment also has at least one second processing area with one or more output levels, in which valuable items are processed, particularly assembled and / or output from the equipment.

[0012] During assembly, a certain number of valuable items of a certain denomination or, in each case, a desired number of valuable items of different denominations are collected. For outbound delivery to a customer, the collected valuable items are packed together where applicable. The respective collection corresponds to an order of a customer (e.g. a cash center) requesting the respective collection, whereby the respective desired collection may vary from order to order or from customer to customer.

[0013] The first step of the method is to receive valuable items or valuable item bags at a preparation level, and the preparation level is arranged to prepare valuable items for further processing steps. Subsequently, the valuable items are transported to the entry level of the equipment for identifying, checking, counting, calculating and classifying the valuable items. Then in the first processing area of ​​at least one processing level of the equipment, the valuable items are identified and / or checked and / or counted and / or classified. In the second processing area, in the applicable situation, the valuable items are classified and / or assembled into bags again in at least one output level.

[0014] In the preparation level, check the valuables to for example obtain the advance information about the valuables, which can be used for optimizing the transport path, optimizing the processing time and processing cost by entering the level, processing level and output level or system, and optimizing the credibility of the valuables bag in the output. This includes the information about the composition and / or denomination of the relevant valuables bag, each delivery, the source (for example, depositor) of the valuables and / or its quality. With these advance information, it can be determined in what way and by which combination of entering the level, processing level and output level to best handle the valuables. For example, in some cases, it is no longer necessary to check the authenticity of the banknote in the cash box from the ATM warehousing. However, in a safe bag (also referred to as a safe bag), delivering the valuables then requires more effort, because the valuables may have to be pre-grouped and just check its damage, wear and tear or authenticity.

[0015] In addition, the proposed method can flexibly respond to the demand for the valuables to be delivered, which is predictable or emerges suddenly, for example, through data analysis. For example, if a number of smaller banknotes of denomination, such as 5 euro banknotes, are currently needed, and it is known in advance that many 5 euro banknotes are usually delivered by a certain valuables depositor, then the system can be controlled in a targeted manner with the help of this advance information, so that the valuables that include or at least may include the banknotes or valuables of the required denomination are selectively brought to the entry level, the processing level and the output level. In addition, this makes it possible to respond to special requests or banknote orders in a targeted manner and as quickly as possible.

[0016] In this system, there is the advance information about the valuables received at the preparation level. These information are processed by the control of the system and can be received from outside the system. For example, the advance information arrives at the preparation level. But they can also be directly transferred to the controller of the system from outside the system. The advance information for optimizing the processing of valuables can be obtained, for example, when the valuables are put into storage or delivered by the storage container. Usually only the storage container is uniquely marked with an identifier or identification, and the advance information is assigned to this identifier or identification in whole or in part. For example, this information contains the advance information of the denomination of the valuables source (which can usually be obtained from the corresponding delivery order) or the valuables bag delivered, and in the case of the cash box of a supermarket or ATM, the information about the denomination of these valuables bags may have existed in many cases.

[0017] When the advance information comes from an external source, it is preferably supplemented by a statement about its reliability. Less reliable information is completely ignored, only used for operations that will not endanger the credibility of the valuable item package to be delivered, and / or is checked or verified in an additional processing step. However, before using the information from a reliable long-term client to further process the valuable item, it can be checked more quickly and more economically using a less complicated method. It can be assumed that the detailed information from the central bank is correct, and the detailed information can be simply received and used for further processing of the valuable item. Therefore, the valuable item can be processed faster and more economically.

[0018] In particular, advance information about deliveries can be obtained based on the documentation of previous orders. One example is the expected denominations in supermarket security bags, where banknotes with higher denominations are particularly expected. Therefore, the method optionally also utilizes information obtained from past analysis, such as information available through data analysis techniques. In these and similar cases, the system for processing valuable items can self-adjust in the expected manner to adapt to the necessary processing steps. This can also be done before the storage of the valuable items to be processed.

[0019] The documentation of previous orders may also include the processing time and costs incurred by the system in processing those orders. Thus, the system may adjust for the incoming inventory of valuable items that are often crumpled, soiled, or poorly sorted and therefore require further and / or more elaborate processing steps, and plan the required processing steps for such items. For example, the processing of such valuable items may be postponed to a later time in order to place the expected interruption in the operation process during a period when few incoming inventory or requests or orders are expected.

[0020] However, advance information can also be obtained by observing and / or measuring the properties of valuable items when entering the warehouse. Although the capture methods used for this are generally not suitable for providing fully defined and reliable information, they are still suitable for controlling the system and its subsystems in an optimized and adaptive manner. For example, the pattern recognition system at the preparation level can check whether the delivered valuable items are dirty or damaged, thereby avoiding failures caused by dirty or damaged valuable items. In the case of a transparent security bag or after opening the delivery container, a pattern recognition method can also be used to roughly determine the denomination, such as by pattern recognition based on the color of the contents. The delivered valuable items can also be weighed, and the denomination of the valuable items can be roughly understood with the help of detailed information about the total amount (for example, provided by the customer). This allows further optimization of the processing for valuable items.

[0021] When system operation according to the present invention, preferably as fast as possible and absolutely reliable processing order.For this reason, the request information about the valuables to be dispatched by the system (for example, information about the valuables package ordered from the cash center) can be combined with the advance information present in the system and evaluated together.For example, if the composition of the valuables package of warehousing is known and its content matches the order, then the system can give priority to these valuables packages, so that the valuables of a certain denomination and the request of dispatching from the warehouse of the valuables package can be processed quickly.For example, if the supermarket orders coins and / or banknotes of many small denominations, then first handle the warehousing of the valuables containing a large amount of coins and / or the smaller banknotes of denomination.Similarly, if just need the banknotes of higher denominations to assemble the bag to be dispatched, then the warehousing of the valuables from the jeweler and correspondingly containing higher denomination banknotes can be preferred and processed with higher priority. In another example, if a partially filled ATM cassette is delivered from an ATM machine, or in another example, a partially filled special storage container for banknotes (e.g. Nota Tracc tray) has been stored from a bank (where the quality, denomination and authenticity of its contents are known), the authenticity check can be omitted and only the count is required to establish credibility. In this case, the system is controlled so that the count can be performed particularly quickly and efficiently. In this way, not only can orders be processed faster, but also the storage costs of the processed but not yet stored valuables can be saved.

[0022] The above-mentioned request information about the bag to be shipped out of the warehouse or the bag ordered especially comprises about their subscriber, quantity, packaging, composition and / or denomination of contents, destination, intended use and / or quality or situation of valuables. Request information especially can comprise that the valuables of only specific selection of storage can be used to complete the trusted bag requested. Then the system is controlled so that only the valuables allowed are provided to process this order or request. This is, for example, crucial for the bank that only needs to count the authenticity of banknote packages or check banknote packages and should reclaim the same banknotes again. Taking all or part of the information into account guarantees the comprehensive optimization of the necessary processing steps, and guarantees the reliable and safe operation of the system for identifying, checking, counting, accounting and classifying and assembling the valuables package.

[0023] In order to be able to better plan the use of the system or the necessary maintenance cycle of the machine, it is advantageous to use external information, that is, information that is unrelated to the valuables at first glance. It is, for example, information about special events such as public festivals, fairs or Christmas markets, which may lead to very high and very special requirements for the system used to identify, check, count, calculate and classify valuables and assemble valuables packages. Therefore, maintenance cycles, replacement or installation of new machines can be arranged in time periods when the system utilization is expected to be low. Vice versa, when high loads or special requirements are announced, additional machines or special machines can be required.

[0024] In optimizing the system, not only information about the valuables but also performance information, such as processing time and costs for identification, inspection, counting, accounting, sorting and / or assembly, plays a major role. For example, banknotes taken from an ATM cassette or NotaTracc tray can be processed much faster than crumpled or torn banknotes delivered in a secure bag. Performance information can also be collected and recorded on a customer-specific basis and used, for example, to plan the processing of the next valuable package for that customer.

[0025] Processing times and costs depend not only on the quality of the valuables, the type of processing or the possible processing speed, but also on the performance parameters of the individual machines. Older machines often show wear and tear, which can lead to failures under high loads. Likewise, the machinery in a system is often non-uniform or includes machines with different technical and performance parameters. Machine-specific performance parameters can be taken into account to optimize the transport paths through the system.

[0026] Preferably, system according to the present invention has one or more temporary storage areas, which are designed to the storage surface, storage or storage place of valuable items or partially completed valuable items bag for example, and can be a part of transportation system. These temporary storage areas and / or the components of the transportation system with inherent storage function can be used for optimizing transportation path and processing steps, to offset blockage and overproduction, without making valuable items out of the warehouse or storing them in the area of ​​higher security level. These temporary storage areas can also receive and temporarily store valuable items that are expected to cause interruption and shutdown or need more complicated processing steps due to their situation or source. These temporary storage areas are also convenient to the assembling of bags, and this is because at least one output stage can access these temporary storage areas, so more valuable items or valuable items bags can be selected.

[0027] For example, the temporary storage area can be reached from the area between the preparation level and the entry level to receive valuables that have been put into storage but cannot yet be processed or untrusted valuables packages. This represents the advantage of making the processing process more flexible. These temporary storage packages from the preparation level are usually untrustworthy, because even if they come from, for example, a partially filled ATM banknote box that has just been received and therefore only has a defined denomination, their quantity has not been fully defined according to the prior art and is therefore untrustworthy.

[0028] Temporary storage areas can alternatively or complementary be arranged between at least one incoming stage and at least one processing stage. On the one hand, these temporary storage areas contain value-added packages that are unreliable before reaching the processing stage, and on the other hand, reliable packages that are semi-finished packages on the way to assembly or at least one output stage. By means of a digital acquisition system as part of the controller, the contents of the packages can be clearly and highly securely identified.

[0029] The system may also include a temporary storage area between at least one processing stage and assembly or at least one output stage. The temporary storage area supports the assembly of the package because the machine used for the assembly or at least one output stage can access the temporary storage area and therefore can select more valuable items or valuable item packages.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, at least one temporary storage area is designed to have a higher security level than the entry level, processing level and output level. For example, when a failure occurs, this safe temporary storage area can be used for storing valuables (even possibly storing valuables for a longer time) safely and quickly and / or for protecting valuables from theft or destructive effects (such as fire). For the maintenance and repair work of the system, valuables can be brought to a highly secure area so that subsequent maintenance personnel can work. Or, the system is connected with safe main storage facilities or a strongroom, and controls transportation system, temporary storage area, entry level, processing level and output level, so that when needed, all valuables that are positioned therein are transported to a storage area with maximum security.

[0031] The system for identifying, checking, counting, accounting and / or classifying or assembling valuable items packages may include configurable machines and instruments and configurable elements therein, and its function is activated and / or rearranged as required. For example, this is achieved by variably switching or activating or deactivating certain processing stages, and forward-looking planning is usually required. The latter first becomes possible by the described process in many cases, and can be used to improve the efficiency of the system. In the technology according to the present invention, preparation information and / or other information (for example, request information and / or performance information) are used to realize the configuration of instruments in the region of entry level and / or processing level and / or assembly or at least one output level.

[0032] When at least one entry level is used to output the valuable item bag and / or is used as the output level, the adaptability, efficiency and / or variability of the system can be further improved. In this case, at least one input level is equipped with the necessary device for outputting the valuable item bag, such as a pick-up and place robot. It can also have a device for classifying valuable items and assembling the valuable item bag.

[0033] At the preparation stage, the delivered valuable items are placed in a receiving device where they can be fed to the entry stage for further processing at the entry stage. These processing steps can also be included in the overall optimization of the system's processing of valuable items and valuable item packages.

[0034] Articles of value are, for example, banknotes and / or coins. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Further details and features are derived from the following description of preferred embodiment examples in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The individual features can be implemented individually or in combination with several of them. The possibilities for achieving this object are not limited to the embodiment examples. The embodiment examples are schematically represented in the figures. The same reference numerals in the various figures represent identical or functionally identical elements or elements that correspond to each other in terms of their functions. Specifically, the figures show:

[0036] Figure 1 A system for identifying, inspecting, counting, accounting, and sorting valuable items and assembling valuable item packages is shown;

[0037] Figure 2 A system for identifying, inspecting, counting, accounting and sorting valuable items and assembling valuable item packages having multiple input stages, processing stages and output stages is shown;

[0038] Figure 3 A system for identifying, inspecting, counting, accounting and sorting valuable items and assembling valuable item packages having a storage and transportation system is shown;

[0039] Figure 4 An apparatus for identifying, inspecting, counting, accounting and sorting valuable items and assembling valuable item packages having a storage and transportation system having a plurality of cyclically circulating transport loops is shown;

[0040] Figure 5 An apparatus for identifying, inspecting, counting, accounting and sorting valuable items and assembling valuable item packages having a storage and transportation system including a single transportation loop is shown;

[0041] Figure 6 An apparatus for identifying, inspecting, counting, accounting and sorting valuable items and assembling valuable item packages is shown, the apparatus having a storage and transportation system and a configurable device or machine for identifying, inspecting, counting, accounting and sorting valuable items;

[0042] Figure 7 An apparatus for identifying, checking, counting, accounting and sorting valuable items and assembling valuable item packages having a storage and transport system in which two transport loops are connected by means of a pick-and-place robot is shown;

[0043] Figure 8 An apparatus for identifying, inspecting, counting, accounting and sorting valuable items and assembling valuable item packages having a storage and transportation system is shown, the storage and transportation system comprising a plurality of interconnected transportation loops;

[0044] Fig. 9 An apparatus for identifying, inspecting, counting, accounting and sorting valuable items and assembling valuable item packages is shown, the apparatus having an area for unqualified valuable items and an area for qualified valuable items;

[0045] Fig.10An apparatus for identifying, inspecting, counting, accounting and sorting valuable items and assembling valuable item packages is shown, the apparatus having an area for unqualified valuable items and an area for qualified valuable items, the area for qualified valuable items being attached to an area of ​​a higher security level;

[0046] Fig.11 is a rough flow chart of a method of controlling a system or apparatus for identifying, inspecting, counting, accounting and sorting valuable items and assembling valuable item packages;

[0047] Fig.12 A method of controlling a system or apparatus for identifying, inspecting, counting, accounting, and sorting valuable items and assembling valuable item packages is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Figure 1 The system 100 for generating a trusted valuable item package is shown, which includes a preparation stage V, a modular processing device 110 having an input area E, the valuable items from the preparation stage V are input through a conveyor 140 and the valuable items are transported to a processing stage (hereinafter referred to as P) through a conveyor 141. n ; n is used as a counting variable of a natural number in the following text, wherein n can take the value of 1, 2, 3, ...) of the first processing zone P, which has, for example, a processing module for identifying, inspecting, counting, calculating and classifying valuable items (hereinafter referred to as P nm; m is used as a counting variable of a natural number hereinafter, wherein n can take values ​​of 1, 2, 3, ...), generating a credible valuables package therein. Then, valuables are transported by means of a conveyor 142 to assemble a credible valuables package in the second processing area or output area A, and it is unloaded to the delivery level L of the system by means of a conveyor 143, from which the assembled valuables package is unloaded. In addition, the system also includes a controller S, which receives advance information IV through an information channel 155 and also receives request information IA through an information channel 165, and utilizes these information items to generate control information 161, 162, 163 and 164 for the system 100 and transmits these information to the system through at least one information channel 160. For example, the control information is used for the system to select a certain transmission path through the system for some valuables, or selects some processing levels to process these valuables. The control information can activate the electromechanical device that is currently and adaptively most suitable for processing. In addition, the controller S can utilize a temporary storage area Z and a corresponding conveyor T to the temporary storage area Z to further optimize the processing of valuables. For this purpose, further information 166 about expected orders and information 156 about expected stockings are used. Via information channel 160, performance information IP about the levels and modules of the processing area P and information IT about conveyors 140, 141, 142, 143 and T are also used to optimize the system's processing 100 of valuables.

[0049] The controller S performs adaptive activation, combination and configuration of the various stages and modules of the system 100, in particular the subsystems E, P, A and Z and the conveyors 140, 141, 142, 143 and T. This generally enables the processing of several orders in parallel or in rapid succession. To this end, the controller S exchanges information IV with the preparation stage V and information IA with the delivery stage L. It does this by sending commands 161, 162, 163, 164 for controlling the system 100 and the processing equipment 110 and its subsystems E, P, A, T, Z, etc.

[0050] Typically, the valuable items processed in the system 100 are banknotes or coins. The machines or processing stages P in the processing area n Typically separate, different modules P are used, for example, to perform different measurements or tests on banknotes. nm The typical functions of these modules are:

[0051] Identify the banknote’s face value and country of origin, for example through image recognition;

[0052] · Authenticity check, where there may be individual machines P for different security features n or module P nm , unless multiple security features can be checked in one step;

[0053] Check the condition or quality of banknotes or valuables in general. These may be physically affected by repeated cycles in the course of business, which is why they may be designated for replacement;

[0054] ·count.

[0055] After passing all these tests, the valuables are classified, verified or deemed qualified and quantified, i.e. counted and evaluated. They are then usually divided into higher security levels. Preferably, the processing area P delivers a trusted package of qualified, classified and accurately counted banknotes, which can then be further used within the assembled framework.

[0056] Figure 2 A system 200 for identifying, inspecting, counting, accounting, and sorting valuable items and assembling valuable item packages is shown, the system comprising a preparation stage V; an apparatus 210 for identifying, inspecting, counting, accounting, and sorting valuable items and assembling valuable item packages; a post-processing stage L; and a controller S. The apparatus 210 represents a modular processing device or an electromechanical system. It comprises: an entry stage E for entering an area E; n , a machine or processing stage P in a processing area P for identifying, checking, counting, accounting and sorting valuable objects n , and a machine A for assembling an output area A of an authentic value-item package n , which can be considered as the exit or output stage of the electromechanical system 210. The valuable items are first transported from the preparation stage V via the conveyor 140 to the input stage E of the electromechanical system 210. n Within the electromechanical system 210, transport is performed by means of conveyors 141, 142 and T, which are either directly connected to components of the electromechanical system 210 or connected to other conveyors 141, 142, T and / or machines P through diverters 245 (or other connection modules). n and / or A n The assembled value-item packages are brought to a post-processing stage L via a further conveyor 143. Furthermore, the system 200 has a temporary storage area Z.

[0057] The controller S exchanges information or commands for controlling the system 200 with the preparation stage V via the information channel 155 , with the electromechanical system 210 via the information channel 160 , and with the post-processing stage L via the information channel 165 .

[0058] The processing of valuables can be carried out fully automatically in the electromechanical system 210 with the help of the conveyors 140, 141, 142, 143 and T or the controller S. The processing can be further optimized with respect to processing time and processing costs. On the one hand, this is achieved by the conveyors 140, 141, 142, 143 and T and the diverter 245, by means of which the processing of valuables can be distributed or concentrated to several machines P. n On the other hand, machine P n can be omitted or interconnected in such a way that the valuables pass only through the machines P required for processing n In addition, the temporary storage area Z can be used to offset jams or overproduction, or to remove valuable items that are not necessary for the outbound delivery of a valuable item package from the activated components of the electromechanical system 210. In addition, if higher denomination banknotes happen to be needed to assemble a package to be outbound, the incoming delivery of valuable items originating from a jeweler and therefore containing higher denomination banknotes is preferred and processed with higher priority.

[0059] Optimization of valuable item processing can be achieved particularly effectively in system 200, because preferably all available information about the various components of system 200 and the incoming and requested valuable items located therein is collected and used. For example, valuable items that have been pre-sorted and pre-qualified in preparation level V can be loaded into a dedicated machine P that allows direct access to the system 200. n Special Entry Level E n , for example for particularly fast processing. This of course also applies to systems 200 with a lower degree of automation, ie in particular to systems 200 in which the conveyors 140, 141, 142, 143 and / or T are simple transport paths.

[0060] In this way, the system 200 allows the processing of valuables of different depositors spatially separated from each other. For example, if banknotes from a first bank are delivered, they can be transported to the entry level E1 and processed by the downstream processing level P1. At the same time, banknotes from a second bank can be transported to the entry level E2 and processed by the processing level P2. In this way, banknotes from different financial institutions can be processed simultaneously while ensuring the separation of banknotes according to their depositors.

[0061] Can enter level E n They may have locks, gates, doors or flaps. In addition, they may have chutes, drop channels or conveyor belts for valuables so that they can be safely transported from the preparation level V to the processing area.

[0062] The same applies to output stage A nThey may be constructed in a similar manner to the entry level but with additional filling and / or stacking devices for loading outbound containers such as security bags, ATM cassettes, Nota Tracc trays or trays with individually banded value items.

[0063] Figure 3 A system 300 for identifying, inspecting, counting, accounting and sorting valuable items and assembling valuable item packages is shown, wherein the valuable items are transported in an electromechanical system 310 with the aid of a storage and transportation system and transport containers or small transport containers 380, 381 and 382. The storage and transportation system includes a plurality of conveyors 141, 142, 143 and 325. Here, the conveyor 325 transports empty transport containers or small transport containers 380 from the machine A of the output area A. n Return to enter zone E. Conveyors 141 and T move transport containers and small transport containers 381 containing untrusted value-added packages. Conversely, conveyor 142 transports small transport containers containing value-added packages that have been processed by processing stage P. n Transport containers or small transport containers 382 for checked (i.e. authentic) value-added packages. Preferably, these are small transport containers that can hold, for example, 300 to 800 banknotes and can safely accept these banknotes. In addition to simple containers, small transport containers can also be designed in the form of clips and / or clamps. In this case, the entry level E n and machine A in output zone A n As described above, the level E n and A n The difference is that the mechatronic device for taking out valuable items from a small transport container or a storage container (for example, taking out the remaining cash from the ATM banknote box or a special storage container for banknotes, such as the NotaTracc banknote tray), or the mechatronic device for filling the small transport container 380, 381 and / or 382 with valuable items, or filling the valuable item packages into the outbound container. The same applies to the machine P of the processing area P n Here, the diverter 245 (or other connection module) couples each conveyor 141 and T or 142 to each other or to the machine P. n and A n The system 300 also has a controller S which, in addition to the information described above, also collects and uses information about the small transport containers 380 , 381 and 382 and their contents. The information required for this is exchanged via the channel 160 , which also transmits the commands of the controller S to the electromechanical system 310 .

[0064] Due to the storage and transport system, the electromechanical system 310 can accept a large number of valuables and process and transport them simultaneously. And it can better detect the number of valuables transported simultaneously. This creates new possibilities for optimizing the processing of valuables by the controller S and better utilizes existing possibilities. n The electromechanical device fills the small transport container 381, which is then filled by the machine P in the processing area P. n or output area A machine A n The container 382 is filled to ensure that the valuable item is further processed or stored by the electromechanical system 310. Thus, manual steps and the attendant safety risks can be almost completely avoided or reduced to exceptional cases.

[0065] With the help of the information channel 160, the controller S realizes the adaptively controlled transportation and adaptively controlled processing of the valuables in the electromechanical system 310. The transportation is realized with the help of modularly activated and combinable conveyors 140, 141, 142, 143, 325 and T. Therefore, the processing can be optimized in terms of processing time, processing costs, security and credibility of the valuables being processed. On the one hand, this is achieved through improved adaptability, by providing branches and hubs or diverters 245 in the transmission path, so that the processing is carried out in a suitable manner on the path from E to P via P as required in series or in parallel or close to the level E required for processing. n , P n and A n For example, if the speed of the P stage is only half that of the E stage, one E stage is delivered via alternately switchable branches or shunts 245 to two P stages operating in parallel.

[0066] In addition, the temporary storage area Z can not only be used to offset congestion or overproduction, or remove valuable items that are not needed for the outbound delivery of valuable item packages from the active components of the electromechanical system 210, but can also accommodate available empty small transport containers 380 for subsequent filling, for example, during peak inbound delivery of valuable items, or retain small transport containers 381 and / or 382 for subsequent processing and / or outbound delivery.

[0067] In the illustrated system 300, the valuables are transported by means of transport containers or small transport containers 380, 381 and 382. In the processing system 310, the following small transport containers are in operation:

[0068] Small transport container without contents 380,

[0069] Small shipping containers 381 whose contents are unqualified, unquantified and therefore untrustworthy,

[0070] Small shipping container 382 whose contents are qualified, quantified and therefore authentic.

[0071] At entry level E n , filling a small transport container 380 with valuable items (e.g., a large number of loosely assembled banknotes), and then forming a small transport container 381 filled or only partially filled with a package of untrusted valuable items. The empty transport container 380 arrives at the entry level E via the transport path 325 or arrives at the entry level E from the temporary storage area Z via the transport path T. The valuable items or banknotes are handled by the processing level P n Determine whether qualified and quantify. In the processing area, qualified valuables are collected in a trusted package, and its value information is provided to the controller S. The controller S assigns the value information to the small transport container 382 with a trusted package (for example, based on the identifier or identification on the small transport container 382), and therefore assigns it to the package contained therein. After processing P, there is a reliable valuable package. Preferably, these are filled in the small transport container 380, which comes from the output area A via the transport path 325 or from the temporary storage area Z or another area (not clearly shown) by the transport path T. This produces a reliably filled small transport container 382. They are guided to the output area A from P by the transport device 142. In the output area A, they form the raw materials for the reliable package of the valuables requested for delivery. For this reason, according to the control command, the requested valuables are taken out from the small transport container 382 in an electromechanical manner as needed.

[0072] The controller S can further use the request information 165 and information about other small transport containers in the electromechanical system 310 to accurately fill the small transport container 382 with the appropriate amount and type of valuable items to appropriately expand or appropriately complete the delivery. For this purpose, a processing information system PIS (not explicitly shown) is used as a part of the controller S or configured separately, which manages all value information from the system 300. The value information is transmitted through the information interface 160 or by other methods. Through the transport device 325, the emptied small transport container 380 is transported back from A to E or also from A to P and may enter the temporary storage area Z.

[0073] Figure 4A system 400 for producing reliable valuable item packages is shown, wherein the transportation of valuable items is achieved within an electromechanical system 410 by means of a combined storage and transportation system. The electromechanical system 410 also has an area 405 with a higher security level. Area 405 is integrated in the storage and transportation system of the electromechanical system 410, which includes a conveyor 425 for small transport containers 381 with untrusted valuable item packages and a conveyor 430 for small transport containers with trusted packages. In addition, with the help of conveyor 415, valuable items from preparation level V can be stored directly in area 405 with a higher security level. In addition to conveyors 141, 142, T and 325, the storage and transportation system also includes an endless circulation transportation loop 420. In addition, the electromechanical system 410 has a processing level P1, in which the processing module P 1n Series connection.

[0074] The area 405 with a higher security level can be used for the safe storage of valuable items in the event of a breakdown, a processing bottleneck or during maintenance work or for protecting them from theft or destructive effects such as fire. Conveyors 425 and 430 allow this to be done fully automatically. In addition, valuable items can be transported directly from the preparation level V to the area 405 via the conveyor 415 without having to be transported to the entry level E. n This increases the system's reception capacity in a secure manner, especially when delivered items of value can only be received later at the entry level E. n When processed.

[0075] Since the processing module P 1n The series connection of the valuable items can be processed without detours and therefore particularly quickly. In a preferred embodiment, the system 410 also has further processing stages P2, P3, etc., which are not explicitly shown here.

[0076] The endless transport loops 420 perform various tasks. On the one hand, they serve as dynamic temporary storage areas that can be accessed very quickly and easily by the electromechanical system 410. On the other hand, they serve to connect the entry level E in such a way that the transport path of the valuables can be optimally designed. n , Machine P in processing area P n and / or machine A in output area A n For example, by means of the transmission loop 420, various modules P of the processing stage P1 can be omitted or skipped. 1n , even if module P 1n Connected in series, these modules P 1n It is also not necessary for handling items of value.

[0077] Figure 5An electromechanical system 510 is shown as part of the system 500, which includes a branched endless circulation transport loop 520 having a flow divider 245 that divides the incoming stage E of the system 500. n and the machines in the processing area P n And the machine A in the output area n In this embodiment, the machine includes four processing modules P n1 , P n2 , P n3 and P n4 , which are again connected in series. The use of a single endless transport loop 520 to connect all subsystems and components of the system 510 reduces the expense of diverters and / or fixtures for connecting different conveyors. At the same time, this has different entry levels E n and different output levels A n The advantages of being attached to the transport circuit 520 by the transmission means 141 and 142. Thus, with the aid of the advance information IV, it is possible to n The filling of small transport containers with valuables is automatically achieved. In addition, it is possible to use a Class A n The output container is filled with a trusted valuables package. The transport loop 520 can have branching shortcuts 521 and branching storage tracks 522 or can also have transfer routes, through which the position and order of the containers on the transport device 520 can be changed by the controller S as needed. In the example of the embodiment, the two processing module chains P1 and P2 drawn have different performance parameters for different tasks. Therefore, the system 500 can, for example, perform a slow high-precision inspection on one module chain, while performing a large amount of fast processing on the second module chain in a short time.

[0078] Figure 6 As part of the system 600, an electromechanical system 610 is shown, which has at least one transmission line 605. In addition, three endless circulation transport loops 420 are coupled to each other so that they connect the incoming stage E of the electromechanical system 610 to the n , processing stage P1 and output stage A n The processing module or processing device P of the processing level P1 is connected to each other. 1n They are also partially connected in series and partially in parallel. They can be triggered by an activatable current divider 604, for example based on the preliminary information IV and the output information IA. The figure shows an activated configuration, whereby other configurations can also be generated and operated by the controller S.

[0079] On the one hand, the processing modules P connected in parallel can be used 12 To P 14, in order to increase the cycle rate of processing valuable items by using multiple modules at the same time, thereby reducing the processing time of the order. On the other hand, the parallel modules can also realize various functions that can be used to process valuable items by selectively controlling the transmission path. The five processing modules P shown in the example 1n It can therefore be understood as a configurable machine for identifying, checking, counting, accounting and / or sorting valuable items.

[0080] The use of three coupled transport loops in the system 610 also allows for a more flexible transport path for small transport containers or transport containers 380, 381, 382. The use of transfer routes 605 also allows for a transport path that skips one of the transport loops 420 in the middle. By activating the transfer routes at the appropriate locations, the required small transport containers are transported as quickly as possible between transport loops that are not in direct contact. This arrangement allows the system to operate without a separate return transport track, since the empty container 380 can be transported to the entry level E via the transfer routes. n , where they are entered into Class E n Receiving. The small transport container 380 is refilled with new valuable items delivered from the preparation level V via the transport track 140.

[0081] Figure 7 A powerful and complex mechatronic system 710 is shown as part of the system 700, wherein at least one three-dimensionally movable pick-and-place robot 705 couples two endless transport loops 420 to one another. The pick-and-place robot 705 allows direct and targeted access to the individual small transport containers 380, 381 and 382. In addition, the mechatronic system 710 has a processing module P 11 To P 15 processing level.

[0082] The pick and place function is preferably used to directly grasp small transport containers with suitable contents and transport them to a suitable handover point, for example to a free position on the transport loop or directly to a processing module P 1n Or A machine or E machine. The pick and place robot 705 can also be used to change the order of small transport containers on a conveyor (e.g. transport loop 420 in this example) or to transport small transport containers from one transport loop to another. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the gripping device 705 is used to move small transport containers between different levels of a transport loop or between storage transport levels arranged perpendicular to each other, which allows a particularly space-saving structure to be achieved.

[0083] Figure 8The electromechanical system 810 is shown as part of the system 800, which includes a plurality of modular and individually activatable and controllable endless circulation transport loops 420 and a plurality of processing modules P 1n These processing modules are arranged in a matrix form and interconnected in such a way that each processing module P activated by the controller S 1n Valuable items can be taken from the formed transport path or from the transport loop 420 and deposited back into the same or another endless transport loop 420 after processing. The transport loops 420 are interconnected in a precisely controlled manner, typically through another endless transport loop or turntable, so that valuable items can be transported to all places in the electromechanical system 810 for transporting or processing valuable items. For illustration purposes, a possible transport path is marked with a solid black line, while modules and machines not involved in the path are shown with dotted lines.

[0084] In a preferred embodiment, the transport loops 420 are in contact with each other in a structural member having a diverter function, so that the path of the small transport container can be reliably controlled. The small transport container is transported on the transport loop 420 by means of adhesion friction and sliding friction. The small transport container stops at an appropriate position, so that the small transport container can be taken out and / or valuable items can be taken out from it.

[0085] This network of conveyors 141, 142 and 420 allows very diverse and flexible transport and processing paths and is therefore very adaptable. In particular, it allows valuable items or packages of valuable items to be directed to individual processing modules or processing machines P in a targeted manner. 1n or defined processing module or processing machine P 1n The same applies to output modules or machine A n A supply system in which authentic value-added packages are configured and packaged for outbound delivery. In this way, the mechatronic system is almost completely configurable in terms of its functionality and its components, devices and processing modules.

[0086] Fig. 9 The electromechanical system 900 is shown as part of a system 900 surrounded by a secure partition or secure enclosure 905. The enclosure 905 allows for the demarcation of an area with a higher level of security where valuable items are handled, since no personnel can enter the space created by the enclosure 905 when the system 900 is in operation. In many malfunction events, the valuable items can be kept inside without having to go through the additional step of outsourcing to another area with a higher level of security. To this end, the machine E n and A and, under appropriate configuration, machine P n It is installed on the safety partition wall on the maintenance side and cannot be entered inside during maintenance work. Therefore, it is not necessary to clean the entire interior space 905 for maintenance work.

[0087] In addition, the electromechanical system 910 has at least one diverter 916 (or other connection module) which is attached to the preparation level V with the help of a conveyor 915 and which transports the valuable items to the entry level E of the secure processing system 910 with the help of another conveyor 915. n Therefore, all input points E n are redundant and designed to be particularly fault-proof. n The feeding of and activation of the appropriate functions in the input E is performed by the controller S, in particular depending on the prior information IV obtained in the preparation stage V. By means of the splitter 916, the valuables can be distributed in parallel to several entry stages E. n This makes it possible to avoid blockages during the processing of incoming goods. This parallelization is not only important for the transport of valuables to the entry level E. n It is possible. Entering level E n and / or machine P n and / or A n Transport between can also be parallelized in this way (not explicitly drawn).

[0088] The electromechanical system 910 is configured so that the entry level E n and the processing stage or processing machine P n The processing stage P n Also connected to the output stage A by means of the endless circulation transport circuit 420 n The storage and transportation system of the valuable items in the electromechanical system 910 is presented in two parts in this embodiment example. The small transport container 381 with untrusted contents is separated from the small transport container 382 with authentic contents. n and the processing machine P in the processing area n The endless circulation transport loop 420 only transports the n Valuable items processed. Connect to processing machine P n and output machine A n The endless circulation transport loop 420 only transports valuable items that have been processed and therefore verified. This enables a clear spatial demarcation between processed and unprocessed valuable items in the electromechanical system 910.

[0089] Fig.10The electromechanical system 1010 is shown as part of the overall system 1000, which is surrounded by a safety enclosure 905 and also includes an area 1005 with a higher security level. The area 1005 with a higher security level is connected to at least one transport circuit 420 by means of at least one safe and effective transport device, for example an endless circulation transport circuit 1017. In the area 1005, an endless circulation transport circuit 1015 connected to the endless circulation transport circuit 1017 is also preferably used. The two spatial areas 1005 and 905 are separated in terms of safety technology and are preferably only accessible through locks. When these locks are opened, transportation can be carried out through 1017.

[0090] The safety enclosure 905 and the additional blockable safety area 1005 allow the electromechanical system 1010 to react to faults in different ways. In the case of a simple fault that can be easily and quickly remedied, it is generally not necessary to remove the transport loop 420 or conveyor 1017 or enter the level E. n , Processing Machine P n and output machine A n Remove all valuable items or all filled small transport containers 381 and 382. If a serious fault occurs, such as a fire, in most cases it is necessary to move all valuable items from the less secure area 905 of the electromechanical system 1010 to the more secure area 1005. Because there are two different safety areas in this embodiment, on the one hand, the downtime caused by the fault just described can be reduced, and on the other hand, the safety measures for reacting to a variety of different faults can remain available.

[0091] Fig.11 The process of operating a method 1100 for a system for identifying, checking, counting, accounting and sorting valuable items and assembling packages of valuable items is shown. It is therefore a method for producing credible packages of valuable items. An important application case is the processing of banknotes in a cash center. The method begins with the entry 1110 of valuable items from an entry ramp or from a temporary storage area or from a safe area in a preparation stage V. In the preparation stage V, the next step 1120 of the method according to the invention occurs, in which the prior information IV about the valuable items is corrected and / or generated and / or confirmed and / or supplemented. In a subsequent step 1130, the valuable items are transported to the entry level E. n In step 1140, at least one processing machine P nIn the process, the valuable items are confirmed to be qualified and quantified, i.e., identified, checked, counted and / or classified. In addition, the value information of the valuable items is transmitted to the controller S or other corresponding information and / or control unit for accounting. In the next step 1150, the qualified and quantified valuable items are assembled and output. The assembled valuable item package is now ready for outbound delivery 1160 in the post-processing stage L.

[0092] Controller S monitors, verifies and controls the required stages, modules and machines E n , P n or P nm , A n , 140, 141, 142, 143, T, 325, 420, 1017, ... provision and activation and individual method steps. To this end, the controller S collects and uses information from the preparation level V, the electromechanical system 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, 910 or 1010 and the post-processing level L.

[0093] The process may also have intermediate steps not mentioned, it may combine steps and perform them in a different order.

[0094] The method allows comprehensive control and verification of valuable items, thereby optimizing the handling of valuable items, which can be adapted to changing delivery and demand conditions. In this way, the method increases the reliability, security and plannability of the system.

[0095] Fig.12 The steps for controlling the processing system, its stages and modules according to the present invention are shown in further exemplary details.

[0096] Step 1210 includes checking and / or generating and / or supplementing and / or correcting the preparation information in preparation step V.

[0097] Step 1220 includes using the advance information in controlling the IT system and / or the controller S. Preferably, the advance information IV from the preparation area V is combined with the request information IA from the delivery level L. Furthermore, further information obtained from future forecasts and past assessments based on digital data analysis is added as needed and available.

[0098] Step 1230 includes sending control signals to the processing systems 100, 200, 300, 400, ff. This controls the provisioning, linking and activation of the stages, modules and machines. In addition, appropriate configuration is performed on the machines, in particular the individual processing modules P nm interconnection.

[0099] In step 1240, the transport element is activated, for example, with respect to direction, speed, diverter position, based not only on the prior information IV but also in particular on the status information (the exact position of the small transport container in which filling has been carried out) and the request information IA. Thus, the controller S controls the position and movement of the valuable object and the possibility of accessing the valuable object.

[0100] In step 1250, the appropriate temporary storage area Z is activated to bring valuable items stored outside the processing area or small transport containers with valuable items into the storage and transport system, for example when the system is started.

[0101] In step 1130, the input of the prepared valuables is controlled, and the most appropriate entry level E is controlled by using the advance information IV. n .

[0102] In step 1140, the most suitable processing module P nm As well as the conveyor and temporary storage area Z for activation, combination and control.

[0103] Step 1150 includes at the output stage A n In the process of assembling and outputting a trusted valuables package, the assembly and output are also controlled by advance information IV and request information IA.

[0104] Step 1260 includes deciding whether to release or store the completed trusted value item package.

[0105] Step 1160 includes securely handing over to delivery level L and performing trusted outbound outbound of the valuable item package when an outbound outbound decision is made.

[0106] According to the method for producing an authentic value item package described herein, for example, a banknote passes through at least one input subsystem or stage E. n , at least one subsystem or stage for processing or identification and classification processing n , and at least one subsystem or stage A for assembling and outputting a defined and authentic value item package n Furthermore, there is at least one subsystem S for control and at least one adaptive subsystem for transport, which consists of a conveyor and, if necessary, a subsystem Z for temporary storage and buffering of semi-finished products of value-added packages. In most cases, there is also a connection to an existing safe or inventory system.

[0107] The method is based on the system-controlled filling, moving and emptying of small transport containers, which can be designed, for example, as containers, clamps or clamps. According to the invention, a processing plan for how to move and handle small transport containers filled with valuable objects is drawn up by a control S using advance information IV, operating status information IP and, preferably, request information IA for this purpose.

[0108] The first step of the method is usually to receive the valuable items or valuable item packages still in the storage container in the preparation stage V and prepare them for further processing steps. This preparation stage V is still located in the sequence before the subsystem E for input, but according to the invention, V already provides advance information IV for controlling the system and subsystems E, P, A, T, Z, etc.

[0109] In the preparation stage V, the delivered valuables are placed in a receiving device where they can be fed to the receiving device provided by the entry stage E. n These processing steps may also be included in a comprehensive optimization of the system's processing of valuable items and valuable item packages.

[0110] After this, the valuable items may have been placed in small transport containers 380, which therefore contain as their contents a certain amount of valuable items which are not precisely defined and have not yet been defined as authentic. These small transport containers 381 are preferably used to transport the valuable items from the preparation stage V to the input station E via an adaptively controlled upstream preparation transport system. n The appropriate input station E is triggered by the controller S n , especially based on advance information IV.

[0111] The system usually simultaneously obtains multiple pieces of advance information IV, multiple pieces of request information IA for requesting packages of valuable items to be delivered. The request information IA includes which customer should receive which valuable items in what quantity as a trusted package. Alternatively, the request information IA does not arrive until during the ongoing processing, or it is predicted based on data analysis.

[0112] There is therefore advance information IV which is generated and / or received and / or used in the preparation stage V, and request information IA which is generated and / or received and / or used in the system of the invention.

[0113] The control unit S receives the advance information IV, the request information IA and the performance information IP, such as the availability of the instruments and elements E, A, P, T, Z in the system and the information IT about the status of the conveyor and the position of the transport container or valuable object in the system. Based on all this information, the system now controls the further processing through transport, measurement, inspection and sorting until the requested authentic valuable object package is assembled and released from storage.

[0114] The valuable items are handed over to at least one transport system in the subsystem area P, which ultimately transports the valuable items to at least one device P for identifying, inspecting, counting, accounting and / or sorting valuable items. n Preferably, the filled small transport container 381 is handed over to the adaptive transport system via input E, which results in the activation of the processing module P nm According to the invention, the adaptive transport system also controls IA based on the advance information IV, the operating status information IP or IT and / or based on the request information IA (preferably via the advance information IV in combination with the request information).

[0115] The subsystem P with its devices and automatic machines performs a process, in particular a process selected from the group consisting of identification, inspection, counting, accounting and sorting of valuable objects. In the subsystem area P, the prepared instruments and / or elements are combined into an activated subsystem P in order to identify and / or sort and / or count and / or inspect and / or account and / or transport valuable objects as required. In a preferred case, the controller S generates the activated subsystem P for processing in an optimized manner, whereby unnecessary elements will not be activated or used elsewhere.

[0116] Control of the transport path of the small transport container and / or the handling subsystem P n or P nm The use of the apparatus in the embodiment depends on the preparation information IV and / or the request information IA and / or the performance information IP and / or the information IT etc., i.e. on all the information acquired, processed and sent by the controller S. The valuable object is taken out of the small transport container, preferably for processing purposes, and then in at least one processing stage or processing unit P. n The valuable items are identified and / or checked and / or counted and / or classified, thereby obtaining reliable and absolutely defined information about the valuable items in terms of quality, authenticity, value, etc. The reliable value information of the valuable items or banknotes used to produce the semi-finished trusted package or the finished trusted package is created in the processing system P.

[0117] The processing of valuables, for example by sorting and counting, produces absolutely defined and credible valuables, and thus, according to control instructions, produces valuables packages to which value information is assigned. These credible packages are not necessarily the packages requested at this time, but can be semi-finished packages for further transportation and / or temporary storage.

[0118] The semi-finished trusted packages are filled into suitable small transport containers and / or directed to other suitable containers or devices according to the trusted value information and the request information IA. These semi-finished trusted packages with value information are preferably surrounded by secure small transport containers. If necessary, they are temporarily stored in the subsystem Z or in the transport system or directly transported to assembly and subsequent output A. The controller S controls temporary storage and / or transportation, etc. according to the preparation information IV and / or the request information.

[0119] After processing in at least one subsystem P, the credible package of the valuables produced is preferably guided to assembly and output A by the adaptive transport system according to the request information IA. The assembly as a part of subsystem A produces the requested defined and credible package with the requested value information from the appropriate, defined and credible package with the appropriate value information. In the output subsystem A, these are placed in the outbound container, and the outbound container such as a security bag, Nota Tracc tray or ATM banknote box is closed. Alternatively, the outbound package is securely wrapped with foil, for example if the sorted banknotes of the whole bundle are to be sent back to the central bank. The outbound package is further transported by the outbound device (e.g., lock) for outbound to the customer by the outbound transport system, which is usually realized by the transport device outside the system according to the present invention, and what is transported thereby is not a small transport container but an outbound container.

[0120] In a preferred embodiment, the system includes a system for processing a controller S for controlling the activation and combination of subsystems, equipment and devices. In addition, the system can have a processing information system for managing the value information and ownership information of the valuable items associated with the valuable item packages in the system in particular. Such a processing information system allows the valuable items stored in small transport containers and fed to the output packages and the deliverables generated with these valuable items to be identified. Here, attention is paid to the highest level of security and trouble-freeness to maintain the credibility achieved in the processing of subsystem P.

[0121] The method is characterized in particular by the fact that advance information IV used by the controller S for controlling the control system and subsystems is already generated in the preparation stage V. At the same time, the value information generated in the processing P is managed by the controller S or other control information systems, so that trusted packages can be produced and delivered with the highest security level. In addition, it goes without saying that the accounting of the valuable items entering the warehouse and their allocation to the accounts are correct.

[0122] Glossary

[0123] Conveyor

[0124] Conveyors are machines and mechanical devices used to convey goods to be conveyed, such as shipping containers. They can be divided into conveyors for bulk goods (such as boxes or containers) and conveyors for bulk goods (such as coins), depending on the type of goods to be conveyed. Examples of conveyors are belt conveyors, roller conveyors or chain conveyor systems, also called continuous production lines, pick and place robots or vehicle systems, which include autonomous action modules with their own drives.

[0125] Nota Tracc Banknote Acceptor

[0126] The Nota Tracc trays are versatile storage and fixing systems for banknotes. The Nota Tracc trays can be designed with or without a protective cover and are stackable in both variants. They are suitable, for example, for operations in cash centres. To ensure the safety of the cash, the trays are made of a special unbreakable plastic material. The Nota Tracc trays are available in 3 versions for up to 3000, 4000 and 5000 banknotes, each with a transparent protective cover.

[0127] Pick-and-place robots

[0128] Pick-and-place is an industrial robot that can move workpieces or bins to any position within its reach using a gripper arm or track system.

[0129] Shipping container or small shipping container

[0130] Transport containers or small transport containers are devices for receiving a not necessarily precisely defined number of objects, which ensure that the objects are not damaged and / or cannot be removed during transport. For this purpose, the containers can, for example, be designed to be closable. They can be boxes, cans, clips, clamps or closures.

[0131] Processing Module

[0132] A processing module is a machine or part of a machine for identifying, counting, checking, accounting or sorting valuable objects. Processing modules are integrated in a processing stage in a serial or parallel order. A plurality of processing modules can also be combined into a module with multiple functions for identifying, counting, checking, accounting or sorting valuable objects, for example, to process banknotes of different currencies.

[0133] Processing level

[0134] A processing stage is a machine that typically includes several processing modules for identifying, counting, checking, accounting or sorting valuable items. The processing stage is used to produce authentic packages of valuable items, such as bundles of banknotes that may contain one hundred or one thousand banknotes.

[0135] Trustworthy Valuables Package

[0136] An authentic value item package has a value item, e.g., a banknote or coin, of precisely defined quantity (number) and quality (authenticity, good condition, denomination, and other value parameters), both of which are known with the highest certainty. It may be surrounded by a secure wrapping or band or shipping container.

[0137] Circular transport loop

[0138] The endless transport loop is, for example, an endless conveyor belt, on which, for example, object carriers or transport containers are transported. The endless transport loops can be linked into a network by installing a diverter that determines the direction in which the object carriers move.

[0139] Reference numerals

[0140] 100 System for generating trusted value item packages

[0141] V Preparatory Level

[0142] 110 Electromechanical Systems

[0143] L Delivery level or post-processing level

[0144] S Controller of electromechanical system 110

[0145] E Input area, entry machine and / or entry level with electromechanical system 110

[0146] P Processing area P with processing stages of electromechanical system 110

[0147] A Output region with output machine and / or output stage of electromechanical system 110

[0148] Z Temporary storage area for electromechanical system 110

[0149] T conveyor

[0150] IV Preparatory Level V Information

[0151] IA Information about the requested value package

[0152] IP Performance Information

[0153] IT Information about conveyors and temporary storage areas

[0154] 140 Teleporter from Preparation Level V to Entry Area E

[0155] 141 Teleporter on the way from E to P

[0156] 142 Teleporter on the way from P to A

[0157] 143 Conveyor from A to delivery level or post-processing stage L

[0158] 155 Information channel between preparation level V and controller S

[0159] 156 Additional information about expected stocking

[0160] 160 Information channel between the electromechanical system 110 and the controller S

[0161] 161 Information about the condition and location of valuable items

[0162] 162 Information for control input E

[0163] 163 Information for controlling a processing module or machine in area P or for quantification and qualification processing

[0164] 164 Information used to control assembly and output

[0165] 165 Information channel between post-processing stage L and controller S

[0166] 166 Additional information about the expected order

[0167] 200 Systems for identifying, inspecting, counting, accounting and sorting valuable items and assembling packages of valuable items

[0168] 210 Electromechanical Systems

[0169] E n The entry level of the input area E of the electromechanical system 210

[0170] P n The processing stage or machine of the processing area P of the electromechanical system 210

[0171] A n The output stage or machine of the output area A of the electromechanical system 210

[0172] 245 Diverter for conveyor 141, 142 and / or T

[0173] 300 for generating credible value packages using storage and transportation systems

[0174] 310 Electromechanical systems with storage and transport systems

[0175] 325 Conveyor for returning empty transport containers

[0176] 380 Empty small shipping container

[0177] 381 Small shipping container filled with untrusted packages of valuables

[0178] 382 Small shipping container filled with authentic value packs

[0179] 400 System for generating a trusted valuable item package having a higher security level area

[0180] 405 Area with higher security level

[0181] 410 Electromechanical system with secure temporary storage area 405

[0182] 415 Conveyor used to transport valuable items between Preparation Level V and higher security areas

[0183] 420 Circular transport loop as storage transport element

[0184] 425 Conveyor for small transport containers 381 between storage transport system and secure area 405

[0185] 430 Conveyor for small transport container 382 for transferring valuable items between areas of different security levels within an electromechanical system

[0186] P nm The processing stage or machine P of the processing zone P of the mechatronic system 410 n Processing module

[0187] 500 A system for producing a trusted valuables package, the system having a branched circular transport loop

[0188] 510 Electromechanical system with branched endless transport loop

[0189] 520 Branched circular transport loop

[0190] 521 Fast Track in Storage and Transportation System

[0191] 521 Fast Track in Storage and Transportation System

[0192] 600 System for generating authentic value item packages with direct delivery routes

[0193] 604 Divider for branching within processing stage P1

[0194] 610 Electromechanical systems with transfer routes

[0195] 700 System with robot for generating authentic valuable item package

[0196] 705 Pick and place robot for directly picking up and delivering selected small shipping containers

[0197] 710 Mechatronic Systems with Pick and Place Robots

[0198] 720 Warehouse

[0199] 800 System for generating authentic valuables package with multiple networked conveyors 141, 142 and 420

[0200] 810 Electromechanical system with multiple networked conveyors 141, 142 and 420

[0201] 900 System with secure shell for generating trusted value item package

[0202] 905 Safety enclosure

[0203] 910 Electromechanical systems with safety enclosures

[0204] 915 Conveyor from Preparation Level V to Diverter

[0205] 916 Diverter for conveyor 915

[0206] 1000 System for generating authentic value item packages with temporary secure storage area

[0207] 1005 Temporary secure storage area with higher security level

[0208] 1010 Electromechanical systems with temporary safety storage areas

[0209] 1015 traffic loops in areas with high safety levels

[0210] 1017 A transport loop for connecting one of the transport loops 420 to the transport loop 1015 in the temporary safety storage area

[0211] 1100 Method for controlling a system for identifying, inspecting, counting, accounting and sorting valuable items and assembling valuable item packages

[0212] 1110 To prepare for the storage of level V

[0213] 1120 Open the container in the preparation level

[0214] 1130 Input valuable items into Entry Level

[0215] 1140 Processing of valuables in processing area P

[0216] 1150 Assemble and export valuable item packages

[0217] 1160 Valuable items are shipped out of the warehouse at delivery level L

[0218] 1200 Method for generating a trusted valuables package through control based on advance information

[0219] 1210 Open the incoming container at preparation level V and receive and / or inspect and / or generate advance information IV

[0220] 1220 Use preparation information IV and request information IA

[0221] 1230 Activate appropriate instruments and devices in E, P and A

[0222] 1240 Activate transport element

[0223] 1250 Activate the corresponding temporary storage area Z

[0224] 1260 Control whether to store in temporary storage area, in safe deposit box or out of warehouse

Claims

1. A method for controlling a system (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000), the system comprising at least one preparation stage (V) and having an apparatus (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, 910), the system being used for identifying, checking, counting, sorting and, where applicable, accounting for valuable items and for assembling valuable item packages, wherein the method comprises the following steps: - receiving a valuable item at said preparation stage (V); - subsequently transporting the valuable item from the preparation stage (V) to at least one entry stage (E) of the device (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, 910) n ); - The valuable item is then transported to a first processing area (P) of the device (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, 910), which first processing area includes one or more processing stages (P n ), the valuable objects are processed at the processing level, in particular identified and / or inspected and / or counted and / or classified; - the valuable item is then transported to a second processing area (A) of the device (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, 910), which has one or more output stages (A n ), the valuable items are processed at the output stage, in particular assembled and / or output from the device; Features: - the system contains prior information about the valuable item received at the preparation stage (V), in particular prior information about the following aspects of the received valuable item: - packaging and / or - Composition and / or denomination and / or - Source and / or - quality and / or condition and / or - authenticity, and - the advance information is used by the system, in particular by a controller of the system, to optimize the processing of the valuable item by the system (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000), in particular for optimizing the processing of the valuable item at the preparation stage and / or in the first processing area and / or the second processing area of ​​the device, - evaluating the request information about the valuable item package to be shipped out of the system together with the prior information present in the system, wherein it is checked whether the properties of the valuable items entering the system contained in the prior information match the properties of the valuable items in the valuable item package to be shipped out of the system, and if they match, the system prioritizes the relevant incoming valuable items in order to process the order more quickly, Among them, the request information about the valuable item packages to be shipped out by the system and evaluated together with the advance information existing in the system is the request information of the valuable item packages for which an order has been placed with the system.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The valuable item is inspected at the preparation stage to obtain advance information about the valuable item (V).

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The advance information present in the system is available as the valuable item is stored and / or is stored together with the valuable item.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The advance information present in the system is obtained based on documentation of previous orders for valuable items processed by the system, including in particular processing times and / or processing costs of the system.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The advance information present in the system is obtained by measuring and / or observing the properties of the delivered valuables, in particular, the pattern recognition system at the preparation stage checks the dirtiness or damage or denomination of the valuables entering the warehouse to obtain the advance information.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The request information about the valuable item package to be shipped out includes the following details: The depositor and / or orderer and / or - quantity and / or - packaging and / or - Composition and / or denomination and / or -Destination and / or - Intended use and / or -Quality and / or condition.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that When valuable items of a certain denomination are required to assemble a valuable item package to be shipped out of the warehouse, in order to optimize the processing of the valuable items, the system gives priority to those valuable items entering the system with the denomination required for the assembly.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that External information sources and / or information about the processing time and / or processing costs of the system are used to optimize the processing of the valuable items by the system (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000).

9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The system has at least one temporary storage area (Z, 405), which is configured, for example, as a storage surface, a storage place or a storage place for the valuable items, or as part of a transport system with an inherent storage function.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The at least one temporary storage area is used to optimize the handling of the valuable items, and the at least one temporary storage area is particularly used to temporarily store valuable items in order to offset a blockage of valuable items within the system.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that - the valuable items received at the preparation stage (V) are stored in the at least one temporary storage area (405) before being processed, or - Have passed at least one entry level (E n ) or has been processed by the processing level (P n ) the identified, inspected, counted, accounted for and / or classified valuable items are stored in at least one temporary storage area (Z, 405), or - has been processed by the processing level (P n ) identifies, checks, counts, calculates and / or sorts the valuables before they are delivered to the output stage (A) in the second processing area (A) n ) are stored in at least one temporary storage area (Z, 405) before assembly.

12. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The valuable items can be outsourced from the at least one temporary storage area (Z) to an area (405, 1005) with a higher security level.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that The equipment (E) of the first processing area and the second processing area n , P n , A n ) are differently combined and / or activated and / or deactivated to optimize the handling of the valuable items and / or the valuable item packages.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that At least one entry level (E n ) is further used as an output stage for outputting packages of valuable items.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that In the preparation stage (V), the valuable item is placed in a receiving device, where it can be provided for further processing in the first processing area (P) and / or the second processing area (A).

16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that The valuable items are banknotes and / or coins.

17. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that The advance information is used to optimize the processing time of the system for processing each valuable item.

18. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that A transport path for each valuable item through the system is selected based on the advance information and / or a decision is made based on the advance information as to which combination of entry, processing and output stages are used in the system to process the valuable item.

19. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that - an incoming stage and / or a processing stage and / or an outgoing stage for handling individual valuable items, and / or - Selecting a transport path for the individual valuable items through the system based on the advance information, in particular based on the composition and / or denomination and / or origin and / or condition and / or authenticity of the valuable items stored in the system.

20. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that The valuable items are banknotes, and in order to optimize the processing of the valuable items, banknotes in good condition, such as banknotes taken out from partially filled ATM banknote boxes delivered to the system, are processed by those processing stages of the system that process banknotes at high speeds, while banknotes in poor condition are processed by other processing stages of the system that process banknotes at lower speeds.

21. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that In order to optimize the processing of the valuables, the input level and / or processing level and / or output level for processing each of the valuables is selected according to the authenticity of the valuables entering the warehouse, in particular, in the case where the incoming banknotes are delivered to the system from a partially filled ATM banknote box, the authenticity check of the system is omitted, while in the case where the incoming banknotes come from other containers, such as security bags, the system performs an authenticity check.

22. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that The system includes a controller that receives prior information and request information and uses these two pieces of information to generate control information for the system. The control information for optimizing the processing of the valuable items is used by the system, in particular, to select specific transport paths through the system for certain valuable items or to select specific processing levels and / or output levels for processing these valuable items.

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